Ethos Public Relations Manchester

450 jobs in store at new Tesco for Hattersley

by Ethos public relations

Local people turned out in force at a series of consultation events in Hattersley recently and gave their approval to plans which could create 450 new jobs when derelict land off Stockport Road and Ashworth Lane is redeveloped to build a multi million pound Tesco eco store and district centre.

The scheme, part of the Masterplan for the area, has the support of partners Peak Valley Housing Association, Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council, the Homes and Communities Agency and developer CTP.

Phil Corris Managing Director for Peak Valley Housing Association said: “It was good to see so many people attend the consultation and there was a real ‘buzz in the air’ as people realise that the long awaited plans for the redevelopment of this gateway site is now starting to take shape. This is an important part of the multi million pound regeneration plans for Hattersley and our partners are looking forward to bringing extensive retail facilities to the local community - and of course to creating many new jobs."

The proposal will be part of Tesco’s Regeneration Partnership scheme, which has helped over 6,000 long term unemployed across the UK back into work. The scheme provides help and advice on producing applications and interview skills. Recruits who complete a six week training programme would then be guaranteed a job.

Tesco Regeneration Partnership stores particularly focus on improving numeracy and literacy skills and provide opportunities for lone parents, older people who have been made redundant, people who have never worked before and those with disabilities.

Keith McCormack of developers CTP said, “We have been working with Tesco and land owners Peak Valley Housing Association and the Council to produce this exciting scheme. It was wonderful to get such positive feedback about the proposals from the local community.”

Tesco Corporate Affairs Manager Matt Magee said, “We are delighted to be joining the Hattersley partners on drawing up a scheme that will create hundreds of new jobs for the area and provide a great new supermarket for residents. In these tough conditions we feel that our Regeneration Partnership, through which we ring-fence a large number of jobs for people out of work or on benefits for at least six months, is more important than ever in a climate where many people are worried about job security.

The redevelopment also includes a new community ‘hub’ which will include facilities for local community groups, a library, police post, Credit Union, youth facility and new offices.

Feedback from the consultations will be taken into account when preparing the planning application which is scheduled for submission in June and a decision on the proposal is expected in October. If the scheme is approved Tesco is aiming to complete the Hattersley store by end 2011/early 2012.

Posted at 18^th May 2010